SierraLeoneanEntertainersayssheislovedinChina

人民网的报道

Mariatu, a Sierra Leonean entertainer, in one of her performing
dresses

A Sierra Leonean entertainer, Mariatu Kargbo, has recently said in
an exclusive interview that she is loved by the Chinese people,
remarking that China creates an environment for talent to
thrive.

Maliya, as she is popularly known by her Chinese fans, said that
she came to China in 2004 at the age of just 16.

“I came to take part in the Miss Kite Beauty Pageant held in
Shandong. It’s a very big event that is held annually. 100
countries participated and I performed in the first three. I sang a
song about Shandong, which I described as a beautiful city and it
was appreciated by the Chinese people,” she said.

Maliya recalled that she fell ill shortly after the event, and on
her way to see her friends and seek medical advice in Shenzhen, she
met a Chinese woman who helped her.

“The Chinese woman, who I consider my adopted mother, took me to
the hospital and paid all my medical expenses. Because of that
woman’s assistance during those trying moments, I fell in love with
the entire Chinese people,” she recalled.

She said in 2007, she participated in “China’s Got Talent” and out
of 19,000 participants she was awarded fourth place, noting that
afterwards, people started to recognize her.

“I was the first black lady, and I brought 30 black dancers who
were setting off fireworks on stage. It was a widely watched
television program. Since then, I have become popular among the
Chinese,” she said.

Mariatu in
her performing dresses

Maliya said she was motivated to stay in China because the Chinese
are incredibly hard-working and committed to whatever they do,
adding that she was also interested in learning Chinese Kung Fu and
Opera, with China being the best place to actualize her dreams.

She was part of a dance troupe in Sierra Leone, remarking that
during her school days, she was an athlete as well as a singer in a
church choir, and later joined the Sierra Leone Scout
Association.

“However, I wanted to realize the full potential of my talents and
at that time, China was the only place that could provide that
platform for me. I have never regretted staying in China because I
have acquired a lot of fame during my stay,” she said.

Quizzed about her best moments in China, she said that the lady who
paid her medical expenses always springs to mind.

“Another moment was when I performed with Jackie Chan at the
Olympic stadium in 2008,” she remembered.

Maliya, who sings, dances, paints, and also models, said she earns
a living from these combined activities in China.

“I also help take Chinese investors to Africa and ensure that their
investments are secured. I ensure that we bridge existing gaps in
such a way that nobody cries foul,” she noted.

The entertainer proudly stated that she was the first black woman
to stage a successful concert in China, adding that although there
are many international artists that have had success in China, as a
Chinese-based black artist, she was the first to do something
special.

“I have made the brand of Africa, especially Sierra Leone, huge in
China. If you mention my name in any big city in China, people will
think of Africa. I am a black woman that the Chinese have adopted
and accepted as their own and I am very proud of that. I thank them
for their hospitality,” she stated.

She said that in 2009, at the Miss World competition, she was the
first black woman to combine cultures from both Sierra Leone and
China, to the delight of onlookers.

Maliya quoted the ex-president of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai
Koroma, who described her as a tree that should always be watered
by Sierra Leoneans so as to yield the fruits of her labor.

“The Chinese appreciate my contribution to entertainment. China has
never discriminated against me and has provided many things for me
that my country hasn’t. The Chinese love Sierra Leone and that is
evident in past and ongoing projects that have been established in
the West African country,” she said proudly.

She remarked that the days when people thought China was a
third-world country are over.

“Most Africans have been brainwashed by western media reports about
China but this is the safest place to live on earth. There are no
security threats, no wars, no kidnappings, and the people are
disciplined. I have travelled to many countries in the world, but
I’m happy and safe in China,” she said.

As China and Africa prepare for the upcoming Forum on China-Africa
Cooperation (FOCAC), Maliya revealed that she is playing a role in
the event that will attract African leaders and other diplomats
from around the world.

When asked what she has given back to Sierra Leone, she proudly
said that she has been a part of numerous projects in her home
country.

“I used my hard-earned cash to facilitate electrical connectivity
to Devil Hole, a community in the Western Area Rural District of
Sierra Leone. I have established and sustained schools, mosques and
houses in Sierra Leone. I have also been supporting physically
challenged people in Jui, another Western Area Rural District
community,” she noted.

She said she has established one of the biggest mosques in Waterloo
which accommodates over 3,000 worshippers, adding that she now also
owns schools in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown.

“Prior to the general election in Sierra Leone this year, I donated
one million US dollars of powdered milk to malnourished children,”
she said.

Maliya also advised entertainers in Sierra Leone to sing what she
describes as “real songs”, that can bring positive transformation
to the country.

“The reality is that most musicians [in Sierra Leone] have been
painting a very bad image of their country with their music,
thereby discouraging investors who wish to invest in the country.
Produce songs that will bring laurels to Sierra Leone. They should
thrive and go on to compete on the international stage,” she
said.